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Anatomy of a SafeRide Call

SafeRide runs from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. 7 nights a week while classes are in session during the Fall and Spring semesters.

SafeRide runs from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights while classes are in session during the Summer semesters.

For every SafeRide call, the dispatcher requires the same information in the same order. Before you call, get to a place where the dispatcher can hear you and have this information ready. This will ensure shorter wait times for every Jayhawk who needs a safe ride home.

Have your KU ID number and card ready. This service is only available to the folks who fund it: KU students. Your KU Card is your ticket to a safe ride home, and you must also have the physical card with you to show to the driver when he picks you up. (No card = no service.)

Know your exact location. At this point in the call, dispatchers are determining which car is closest to you. The quicker you can provide your location, the quicker a car can be sent to you. If your location and home address are within ¼ mile of one SafeBus route, you will be referred to that route.

Have your home address ready. Unfortunately, we can’t allow you to give directions in the car. SafeRide dispatchers have a high call volume and must keep track of each car’s location and destination to determine which car is best suited to the next callers’ needs. If you live in close proximity to an establishment which serves alcohol, you’ll be asked to provide proof of residence.* If nightlife is your goal, SafeBus is your ride. SafeRide only takes you home.

Know how many passengers are coming along. Gathering your buddies before you’re on the phone with the dispatcher ensures shorter wait times for the Jayhawks still on hold. Help your fellow Jayhawks out and do a buddy head-count before you call.

Keep track of when and where the dispatcher tells you to wait. The SafeRide driver is unable to call you when they arrive and will only wait 5-10 minutes for you before they must move on to their next passenger.

Stand in a well-lit area and watch for a car or a van with the official KU SafeRide logo.

*Note to Scholarship Hall residents: due to past issues, SafeRide cars generally do not enter the area around 14th & Tennessee. Unfortunately, this is exactly where you live. The SafeRide dispatcher will most likely recommend an alternate drop-off location that may still require that you walk a block or two to get home. We apologize for this inconvenience.